United States Re-Elected to UN Human Rights Council

On Monday, November 12, the United States was reelected to the UN Human Rights Council during a session of the 67th UN General Assembly. As the United States prepares for another term on the Council, we note the numerous accomplishments during the first term and pledge to continue the hard work necessary to advance human rights worldwide.

Since joining the Council in 2009, our efforts to strengthen and redirect the Council have resulted in concrete actions to address human rights abuses around the world. While the Council remains imperfect -- particularly in its disproportionate focus on Israel -- it is becoming a more balanced and credible institution.

Highlights of U.S. accomplishments during our first term show our enduring commitment to universal human rights. The United States co-sponsored the first-ever UN resolution advancing the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) persons. The U.S. co-sponsored a landmark resolution on Internet freedom endorsing the right of all individuals to enjoy the same human rights and fundamental freedoms online as they do offline, noting that all governments must protect those rights regardless of medium.

The United States also supported resolutions on the protection and promotion of Freedom of Assembly and Association and on Combating Discrimination and Violence, and robust responses to address urgent and serious human rights situations in Iran, Syria, Libya, Cote d'Ivoire, and Burma.

The United States looks forward to continuing to work with the Council and our international partners to promote and protect human rights around the world.

Learn more about U.S. accomplishments at the Human Rights Council here.

Comments

Comments

dridifaycal

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Algeria

November 13, 2012

Dridi in Algeria writes:

its good

Irv

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California, USA

November 14, 2012

Irv in California writes:

Can we have something on protecting whistleblowers like Bradley Manning?